ICYMI: Rep. Nancy Mace launches inquiry into Yemassee monkey testing facility

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WTOC) - South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace sent a letter to the USDA and NIH demanding a briefing after the recent escape of 43 monkeys from a testing facility in Yemassee.

Multiple monkeys are still unaccounted for after seven days. Mace says this is only the latest in a long list of violations from this USDA and NIH-funded laboratory.

“For years, Alpha Genesis has racked up federal contracts and taxpayer dollars while consistently violating animal welfare laws and exposing the public to dangerous escapes,” said Rep. Nancy Mace. " NIH and USDA need to step up and ensure South Carolinians don’t bear the risk of this lab’s negligence."

In a release, Mace states, “receiving over $110 million in taxpayer funding since 2008 — including $19 million this year alone — Alpha Genesis has a disturbing history of animal welfare violations and public safety risks. Housing over 10,000 primates, including 3,300 on NIH’s controversial Monkey Island, the lab has faced frequent federal citations for unsafe enclosures, poor veterinary care, and preventable animal deaths. Yet oversight remains minimal, with recent inspections confirming multiple violations, including escaped primates and fatal neglect."

The release goes on to say in light of recent incidents and and the facility’s ongoing history of violations, her office has demanded a full briefing from the NIH and USDA, including:

• A complete breakdown of active contracts and inspections with Alpha Genesis
• Documentation of communication with Alpha Genesis regarding the recent monkey escape
• Immediate corrective actions to enhance oversight and safety at Alpha Genesis